A Group Ride 3rd May 2023 - Cobham, Bucks Green, Dorking.

 Our ride closely replicated a clever route from Cobham devised by Steve Duffin on 4th May last year, and also re-worked by Brian.

Janice, with Andy, Dave B, Frances, Fiona, Geoff, Steve, and Mike set off first from Cobham to hit the hills.

Halfway up the first strenuous climb, Steve kindly punctured, giving us all a rest whilst he sorted it out.

After that, it was onwards and upwards again in glorious sunshine with lovely bluebells all around, albeit with a cool chill in the air and a blustery wind.

The Fox at Buck’s Green, served (most of) us quickly with excellent and substantial sandwiches and soup or chips. Feeling full and with the thought of Leith Hill still to come 7 of us set off into the headwind. Geoff headed off in a different direction to grandparent duties. 

We hadn’t gone far when Steve had his second puncture but he sorted it out quickly whilst we admired the scenery and Mike tried to enjoy a snooze in the sunshine. 

In no time we were off again and heading up Leith Hill with lunch still weighing heavily. Fortunately it was then all downhill (apart from the uphill bits) to The Old Clunker in Dorking for refreshments before heading home. 

Thanks to Geoff for back marking in the morning, Frances in the afternoon and my group for their cheerful company.

Brian was next away, and commented that sunshine, bluebells and quiet roads make a glorious day out and the ride had all of these. My "easy" group consisted of Christina, Jennie and David Jackson, Dave's Ward, Ferrett and Ellis, Clive Janes and Pete Betts. At the top of Staple Lane we were overtaken by Ged's "steady" group leaving us to enjoy the scenery at our own pace. Progress to lunch was uneventful and we arrived to find the other two groups still receiving their food. Lunch was excellent though I did later wonder whether the generous portions explained why Leith Hill seemed harder than when I rode it on Saturday. As we left we admired a vintage Sunbeam in its gleaming splendour but apparently broken down outside the pub. 

The hills tested the legs a bit on the way back but a happy and satisfied group made it back to Dorking for tea. My thanks to Dave W and David J for backmarking and all for their company. 

My group, making-up a total of 24 riders in the 3 groups, reached the Fox Inn as the first group was being seated, and were soon joined by Brian's group in the splendid marquee.

The 'steady' group at the Fox Inn

We also found it difficult to get started after such a hearty lunch, and were rather spread-out on the ascent of Leith Hill. However the Clunker cafe provided a welcome rest in the sunshine. 

Thanks to Hans for back marking, to Janice and Brian for sub-leading, and to all the As for making the hilly ride so enjoyable in the Spring sunshine.